Gain the skills and confidence for extreme sky racing: expect full days; extreme running; exposed ridges; great company; and a smile from ear to ear.

“The weekend struck the perfect balance between getting in enough theory but still spending plenty of time out on the hills getting to grips with the terrain. The scrambling was definitely a highlight for me, loved getting up high on the ridges and I couldn’t have felt more secure under Charlie's experienced guidance.”

Victoria M

What to expect

Back for the fifth year, the Advanced Skyrunning training weekend is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence you’ll need to run and scramble on technical mountain terrain. Based in the heart of the Lake District, this is an immersive weekend of skills training and mountain-craft: expect full days; extreme running; exposed ridges; great company; and a smile from ear to ear. You will learn to:

Run over rough and unstable ground.

Run ridge-lines, and become familiar with exposed ground, gaining an understanding how one wrong foot placement, a trip or slip from such ground could cause you serious injury.

Run down ridge-lines that are severe in nature.

Scramble over open rock.

Climb/ascend steep ground.

Yoga session for runners

If you complete the course successfully, you will have gained a sound base of the necessary skills to complete Lakes Sky Ultra or another equivalent race. But remember: once the course is over and your entry is accepted, your training has just begun! We expect you to get back out there and practice - then go out again and practice some more ..

Who is it for?

The Advanced Skyrunning training weekend is designed for those with some previous mountain running & scrambling experience. It is ideal for anyone who wants to build their running and scrambling skills or to prepare for extreme mountain races such as Lakes Sky Ultra, Pinnacle Ridge Extreme, Glencoe Skyline, Trofeo Kima or Tromso. There are limitations – we can’t cure your fear of heights or get rid of vertigo – but we can help you to build confidence and experience in a controlled environment and in the safety of a small group.

If you are completely new to this form of running, our Introduction to Skyrunning Weekend may be more appropriate to your needs (full details and booking info coming soon).

One night's accommodation - Full Board (additional nights can be arranged on booking at additional cost of £60 - option available on SI Entries at the time of booking - Full Board)**

Saturday evening meal

Sunday morning breakfast

Two full days of guided running and instruction in the mountains surrounding the Glenridding Valley

Yoga Session on Sunday morning.

**There will be a social run at 19:00 for those who book this extra night from Patterdale Hall.

Course programme

N.B. The programme below is indicative of the typical course content, but may be subject to change:

[Friday night arrivals will be offered a guided social run at 19:00 from Patterdale Hall - Please book the Patterdale Accommdation optaional extra if you want to stay Friday night - this is a full board option for £60]

Day 1: Saturday

08:30: Arrive

09:00: Meet/greet & course briefing

10:00 - 16:00: Skills training in the mountains. Please note that due to the nature of this session, warm clothing will be required – single-layer running clothes are not suitable. We will cover:

Confidence on rough ground

Safety on steep ground

Basic navigation for runners,geared around ability to self-rescue and navigate off the course by non-marked routes

Uphill & Downhill running techniques

Appropriate spare/emergency clothing

Course markings

Sound Mountain Judgement: what it is and how to apply it.

16:00 - 18:00: Review of the day, including:

Mountain running kit selection

Training

Nutrition

Q&A

20:00 'till late Dinner – followed by drinks, mountain chat and tall tales in the relaxing lounges at the Patterdale Hall if the mood takes us there … [Bring your own alcohol]